Alamance Reads plans grand finale Sunday

Thursday

Feb 28, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Times-News

This year’s Alamance Reads activities will conclude with a Southern music and Gospel Sing finale from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Mayco Bigelow Community Center, 849 Sharpe Road, Burlington. The concert is free and open to the public and will include performances by The Celebration Singers, The Ensemble and Mebanesville. Tom Manning, chairman of the Alamance County Board of Commissioners, will serve as master of ceremonies; admission is free and the public is encouraged to attend. This year’s selection was Harper Lee’s classic novel “To Kill A Mockingbird” and Susan Gant, one of the Alamance Reads organizers, said the music assembled for the finale reflects not only themes in the book, but sounds heard by the characters during that time. The Celebration Singers is made up of developmentally disabled adults and was founded by the late Evelyn Apple. During the last 30 years, it has performed for churches, state and national conventions and other events. The singers, who advocate for acceptance and respect of mentally challenged individuals, perform monthly throughout the state. The Ensemble is made up of 12 vocalists, including siblings and cousins, who have performed together for more than 30 years. Under the leadership of minister Robert Garrison, the group began singing together in church and has sung alongside national recording artists including Shirley Caesar, Vickie Winans and others. Mebanesville is a group of longtime neighbors and friends who enjoy playing music together. The band was formed in spring of 2000 following an informal concert at a Mebane coffeehouse. It has played at clubs and wineries throughout the Piedmont-Triad. Mebanesville was a common name used for the community in the 18th and 19th century and the band adopted it to reflect its love of living locally, but exploring music globally. “We hope people will sing along and celebrate with us,” Gant said. Winners of the art and writing contests are encouraged to attend this event as well. For details on Alamance Reads, visit www.alamancereads.com, check out Facebook or call May Memorial Library at (336) 229-3588.